1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster

Lot No.: 310

With Jaguar's racing pedigree with the 'C' and 'D' types from the 1950s still fresh in people's memories it's no wonder that the new 'E'-Type captured the hearts and minds of everyone at its launch, and if all E-Types aged as gracefully as the car offered here then it's easy to understand why that affection continues today. Built in 1965, this Series I car is fitted with the 4.2-litre powerplant, often considered the best engine. For the 4.2, Jaguar introduced their own all-synchromesh gearbox, derived from the occasionally recalcitrant Moss offering, along with more comfortable seating and improved brakes.

This gorgeous original, right-hand drive, 4.2 Series I was first registered on 22nd July 1965 to a Mr R Lowther-Fry. Since then, the car has changed hands just five times in its 52-year life.

Our vendor purchased the car 26 years ago in 1991 and since that first day and after a rather hairy drive back from collecting the car due to poorly working brakes, the same local Classic Car specialist has maintained GRA 900C until the present day with the proprietor overseeing all work undertaken on the car.

Over the following 26 years, the car has been meticulously maintained regardless of cost to ensure that it remains in fine running order. This has included a gearbox rebuild in 2001 at a cost of £2,900 the result of a broken bearing whilst on a European tour. Bodywork has also been attended to where needed over the years as can been seen by bills such as the one in 2002 for rear half bodywork repairs including work to the inner and external wings at a cost of £4,700.

Presented with the car is a wealth of history including an impressive number of invoices from the past 26 years of ownership all from the same local specialist of course. Also present is the original Buff Logbook, the very rare original Service book/Service policy (with stamps), the original Operating/Maintenance handbook, and a number of old MoTs, the earliest of which dates to 1972.

From looking at key documentation in the history file we can see that the car still retains its original engine and matching cylinder head and remains finished in its original shade of Jaguar Indigo Blue.

An absolutely honest example with a lovely history and a rare find in this day and age when every Series 1 seems to have been restored to within an inch of its life. This cracking '65 4.2 has been frequently enjoyed and lovingly maintained and cared for by the same owner for 26 years. Refreshing.